Chronic pain, especially chronic pain unrelated to cancer, is notoriously under-treated. Cancer pain relief is very hard to find, and those that are used are mostly discarded due to myths surrounding medication addictions. Opioids have been used to treat pain for thousands of years, and they are the most effective pain relievers we have.  If your pain is present around the clock, you are likely to do better with formulations that are released slowly in the body, lasting longer before you need another dose. If you are concerned about being addicted to pain relief medications, here's the real fact: you may be surprised to learn that the American Geriatric Society has determined that opioids are safer for older people than anti-inflammatories. The treatment you need depends, first of all, on the diagnosis, so ask your doctor whether he or she is satisfied working up your problem.